Butane canisters seized in Camotes

Local

POLICE seized thousands of butane canisters that were allegedly transported illegally in Tudela town off Camotes Island, Cebu.

The butane canisters were found loaded on a truck that was flagged down by police in a checkpoint in Barangay Southern Poblacion, Tudela on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Based on its registration, the truck is owned by a resident of Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. The driver was driven by a certain Rodel from Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City.

Found from the truck were 152 boxes containing 6,096 loaded canisters. Another 62 boxes containing empty canisters were also recovered.

The seized items were worth P133,760, police said.

Police said the butane canisters were seized after the driver failed to present documents from the Department of Energy proving that the transportation of the items complied with Republic Act 11592 or the LPG Industry Regulation Act of 2021.

Col. Abubakar Mangelen Jr. chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said transporting such products without necessary permits pose hazards to the community.

“The transport of LPG products without proper authorization poses serious risks to public safety. We will continue to intensify checkpoint operations to ensure that all regulatory laws are strictly enforced. Compliance with the LPG Industry Regulation Act is essential to protect lives and properties,” said Mangelen.

Police said necessary charges are being readied against the truck driver.(CDB)